Home Depot Gutter Guards Review : Trusted Protection For Your Home

Gutter guards are an attractive option for people whose homes are frequently inundated with leaves and windblown debris. Cleaning gutters are time-consuming, and among the least enjoyable chores around the home, but it is also dangerous. Falling from heights while cleaning gutters is not an uncommon accident, the risk of this happening is greater in certain conditions, like in high winds, or icy conditions.

When researching gutter guards it is useful to know that they may be referred to by a number of names, such as leaf guards, gutter covers, and gutter screens. These all refer to the same product, which can be found at your local Home Depot.

Speaking with a knowledgeable salesperson will also be enormously helpful as you navigate the various Home Depot gutter guard reviews. Gutter guards are designed to prevent debris from entering gutters, and clogging drain spouts, and come in five basic designs.

Mesh Gutter Guards

This design consists of perforated metal sheets that attach to the roof shingles, and cover the gutter, usually overextending.

Reverse Curve Gutter Guards

These are designed to allow water to flow down towards the drainpipe while directing debris to fall to the ground.

Bottle Brush Gutter Guards

The bottle brush style consists of bristles that stand upright inside the gutter. This allows water to run through the gutters relatively unhindered while catching debris in the bristles.

Nylon Gutter Guards

This design is a variety of mesh that is especially beneficial during the winter, as snow is unable to accumulate on the nylon surface.

Foam Gutter Guards

Despite being referred to as foam, this design is actually made of plastic. These fit inside the gutter, helping to block debris from entering.

In addition to five basic designs, gutter guards also tend to fall under one of two categories: Gutter covers, or gutter screens.

Gutter screens are ordinarily made out of metal mesh (perforated metal sheets), nylon, wire mesh (similar to traditional screening), or foam. Screens tend to be more affordable than covers, and are easily installed.

Gutter covers can be made out of a variety of materials, including aluminum, copper, plastic, wire mesh, nylon, and foam. Covers are installed over the gutter and limit the amount of water flow. Gutter screens do not usually last as long as covers.

However, if appearance is a large factor, screens are more discreet than covers, as they are relatively low-profile, whereas covers are situated over the gutter and are quite visible.

Despite prevalent beliefs to the contrary, gutter guards do require maintenance. To maintain proper function, it is important to occasionally clean the screens or covers. However, they require less attention than uncovered gutters and are typically much easier and less time consuming to clean.

Virtually all gutter guard designs will succeed in preventing leaves and large debris from entering and ultimately clogging the gutter. Although, small debris such as small petals, seeds, and fine evergreen needles are usually able to enter through the guards.

Consequently, the effectiveness of gutter guards is largely dependent on the installation process.
For example, gutter guards that are installed at an angle equal to that of the roofline will prove significantly more efficient than those that are not.

Having guards installed over your gutters can provide several advantages, and be enormously beneficial to individuals who require a lesser workload. The diminished risk of personal injury alone is a very attractive benefit.

Benefits of Home Depot Gutter Guards:

Gutter guards can be installed over your existing gutters.

Birds and rodents build nests in gutters, which the guards prevent from happening.

As was stated prior, they reduce the number of times you are required to clean your gutters.

By installing gutter guards, you will prevent the accumulation of stagnant water that could backflow into your home or foster insects.

Because they prevent the build-up of moist debris, the risk of rusting is greatly reduced, therefore extending the life of your gutters.

Rainwater harvesting is significantly more effective with gutter guards in place, as they improve water flow.

Additionally, heated gutter guards are available. These are designed to melt away snow and ice, preventing harmful heavy buildups that lead to roof damage. There is no honest appraisal without also discussing the possible negative attributes.

Drawbacks of Home Depot Gutter Guards:

Installation can prove expensive. Price is dictated by the company, chosen style, in addition to your roof style, and the size of your gutter system.

Gutter guards do not completely eliminate the need to clean your gutters.

Some gutter guards are ineffective. There are deceptive companies that promote ineffective products. You can avoid this by choosing established products, for example, a brand or design Home Depot has carried for several years.

Guards can become dented and thus less effective. Avoid resting ladders against gutters, as this is the most common way guards become dented.

Extra weight on your gutters can result in bowing or sagging at the center. Consequently, some gutter guard options are lighter weight than others.

Because guards are not always guaranteed to prevent small debris from entering your gutters, small seeds are still able to sprout.

In conclusion, deciding on the gutter guard that is right for your needs requires research. Nevertheless, there are a few stand-by to help you in your decision-making process.

For instance, designs that feature the smallest holes will be the most effective. This design is typically referred to as “micro mesh”, and can come in a variety of materials. Products made out of vinyl that feature small, diamond-shaped mesh is typically considered the most effective.

Additionally, choosing a design that is easily removed and replaced will save a great deal of time and effort when you do eventually have to clean them.

Fortunately, the most expensive option is not necessarily the best option. Many professionally installed, and DIY products sold at major retailers such as Home Depot, have high satisfaction ratings, in addition to having gone through 16 months of outdoor testing with decent results.

Once you have decided the category and design best suited to your needs, head over to Home Depot and discover what quality products they have to offer.